Important Safety Alerts

Important Safety Alerts

Update on cases of fungal corneal infections

16 May 2006

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has received one more report of fungal corneal infection (keratitis) this month, bringing the total number of contact lens users affected to 33 since the infection was firstly reported in May 2005.
A CHP spokesman said the newly identified case was a 40-year-old man who attended a public hospital in April this year.
"Of the 33 patients, 32 were interviewed and 29 of them claimed that they used only B&L ReNu multipurpose contact lens solution," he said.
Preliminary results of case-control study conducted by the CHP in connection with fungal keratitis found a significant association between development of fungual keratitis and the use of ReNu solution among disposable contact lens users in Hong Kong. The association is present even after adjusting for hygiene and other factors.
"The finding is consistent with that from a case-control study conducted in Singapore," the spokesman said.
Noting that the manufacturer announced a worldwide recall of the ReNu with MoistureLoc Multi-purpose contact lens solution yesterday, the spokesman said DH supported the recall and called on contact lens users to stop using the product including partially used and opened bottles.
The CHP will also continue to monitor the local situation closely.
He reminded contact lens users to observe the following measures to prevent contact lens associated infection:

Seek medical advice from your doctor promptly if symptoms persist despite contact lens is off.

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